Memorial honors fallen officers, firefighters

Published on Saturday, February 26, 2006
in the Daytona Beach News-Journal

EDGEWATER -- Car wrecks. Burning buildings. Armed robberies.

Every day people in need call police officers and firefighters, who lay their lives on the line to protect the public.

Sometimes an everyday hero becomes a fallen hero. To honor those in Volusia and Flagler counties, a crowd of about 150 gathered Saturday at Sea Pines Memorial Gardens.

"They're the ones we reach out to when our lives are in danger," said Oak Hill Mayor Mike Thompson. "How comforting that someone is protecting our lives."

Saturday's event was emotional for members of the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. It was their first memorial service since losing Officer Roy Nelson in August, said Chief Ron Pagano.

"This was more difficult, more emotional for us," Pagano said afterwards.

Nelson, 36, and his K-9 partner Ceasar, died Aug. 13 when his patrol car hit a guardrail and flipped on the South Causeway after swerving to avoid a truck while responding to a call.

His widow, Angie, and their children attended Saturday's service, surrounded by officers who offered hugs and support.

Nelson was a great officer, father and husband, Pagano said in remarks to the crowd. "Angie we still love ya' and we think about you every day."

Pagano said the department checks on Nelson's family at least a couple of times a week and will send officers to escort her to the annual memorial service at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., later this spring.

It's one of three annual memorials planned in the months to come, Pagano said. The annual Volusia County event is planned for 9 a.m. May 19 at a Daytona Beach cemetery, said Kelli Grim, daughter-in-law of Bob Grim, an Ormond Beach officer who was killed in the line of duty in an accident in November 2004.

Ceremonies like Saturday's are rewarding for officers and firefighters and their families, said Lt. Cliff Williams, who leads the honor guard for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Williams was one of several who said it's rare for officers and firefighters to receive even a simple thank you.

"When we are safe we complain and criticize," Thompson said. "Let us bury our complaints and criticisms and offer our respect."

Edgewater Mayor Mike Thomas said he shared a special kinship with the law officers after 30 years as an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a job called game warden in the old days.

"I got shot at. They tried to stab me. I've been hit. I've been gator bit and I've been dog bit," Thomas said. "You don't do it for the pay, you do it because you believe in it."

The ceremony featured a 21-gun volley by the Volusia County Sheriff's honor guard, a flyover by the Spruce Creek Gaggle, presentation of colors and a wreath by the American Legion Edgewater Post 285 color guard and music by the Colonial Highlanders Bag Pipes.

Pagano read the names of fallen officers from Volusia and Flagler counties. That was followed by a list of the names of fallen firefighters by New Smyrna Beach Fire Chief Tim Hawver.

Several officers paid their respects at the grave of Nelson and his dog Ceasar, leaving behind a flower bouquet and dog biscuits.